The Meta

Google look to London for growth

"LONDON is to become the centre of operations for Google’s next big phase of growth as the internet search engine company focuses its efforts on mobile phones, wireless laptops and personal digital assistants to increase its already massive user base.

Senior executives at Google told The Times this week that the company’s mobile division is expected soon to become the biggest driver of new business."

"Google’s increased focus on mobiles spells more bad news for Microsoft, which is struggling to compete with Google on many fronts. MSN, Microsoft’s search engine, ranks third in the world behind Google, which is in first place, and Yahoo!. Microsoft shares edged up 3 cents to $22.10, despite the decision by Bill Gates, the co-founder, to step back from day-to-day involvement in the business by 2008. Google is reorganising the way it presents search results on the internet to conform better with mobiles, according to Deep Nishar, the company’s director of wireless products. It is also testing dozens of new search-related products to be used solely on mobile phones and other pocket-sized wireless devices."